The Prophet (Macmillan Collector's Library) by Kahlil Gibran (2016-07-14)

by Kahlil Gibran

And stand together yet not too near together: For the pillars of the temple stand apart, And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other’s shadow.

All you have shall someday be given; Therefore give now, that the season of giving may be yours and not your inheritors’.

And when you crush an apple with your teeth, say to it in your heart: “Your seeds shall live in my body, And the buds of your to-morrow shall blossom in my heart, And your fragrance shall be my breath, And together we shall rejoice through all the seasons.”

the wind speaks not more sweetly to the giant oaks than to the least of all the blades of grass;

The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain. Is not the cup that holds your wine the very cup that was burned in the potter’s oven? And is not the lute that soothes your spirit the very wood that was hollowed with knives? When you are joyous, look deep into your heart and you shall find it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving you joy.

Together they come, and when one sits alone with you at your board, remember that the other is asleep upon your bed.

And tell me, people of Orphalese, what have you in these houses? And what is it you guard with fastened doors?

And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.

Oftentimes have I heard you speak of one who commits a wrong as though he were not one of you, but a stranger unto you and an intruder upon your world.

And when one of you falls down he falls for those behind him, a caution against the stumbling stone. Aye, and he falls for those ahead of him, who, though faster and surer of foot, yet removed not the stumbling stone.

And still more often the condemned is the burden bearer for the guiltless and unblamed.

And of him who comes early to the wedding feast, and when over-fed and tired goes his way saying that all feasts are violation and all feasters law-breakers?

I would have you consider your judgment and your appetite even as you would two loved guests in your house.

And you would accept the seasons of your heart, even as you have always accepted the seasons that pass over your fields.

Much of your pain is self-chosen. It is the bitter potion by which the physician within you heals your sick self. Therefore trust the physician, and drink his remedy in silence and tranquillity:

Say not, “I have found the truth,” but rather, “I have found a truth.”

No man can reveal to you aught but that which already lies half asleep in the dawning of your knowledge.

You talk when you cease to be at peace with your thoughts; And when you can no longer dwell in the solitude of your heart you live in your lips, and sound is a diversion and a pastime.

You are good when you walk to your goal firmly and with bold steps. Yet you are not evil when you go thither limping. Even those who limp go not backward. But you who are strong and swift, see that you do not limp before the lame, deeming it kindness.

But regret is the beclouding of the mind and not its chastisement.

But tell me, who is he that can offend the spirit? Shall the nightingale offend the stillness of the night, or the firefly the stars?

And your body is the harp of your soul, And it is yours to bring forth sweet music from it or confused sounds.

Your daily life is your temple and your religion. Whenever you enter into it take with you your all.

For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun? And what is it to cease breathing but to free the breath from its restless tides,

Others have come to you to whom for golden promises made unto you faith you have given but riches and power and glory.